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Friday, May 31, 2013

NJ POETRY OUT LOUD 2013-2014: HAVE YOUR CHILD’S SCHOOL REGISTER NOW!

"Poetry is not just about the words…it will change you."*

Poetry Out Loud is the national recitation contest that encourages high school students across the country to learn about great works of classic and contemporary poetry through memorization and recitation. Not only do they share their interpretation and delivery of poetry, but they vie for awards and scholarships totaling $50,000.

Last year, New Jersey Poetry Out Loud saw record participation with 123 high schools and 20,000 students reading and reciting poetry. Moreover, 2013 NJPOL State Champion Kavita Oza was also one of only nine National Finalists in the POL National Finals.

Can you picture your child participating in this rich educational experience with other students from across the nation?

Get their school involved!
All schools follow the same “poetry bee-style” contest structure, which begins at the classroom level. Classroom winners advance to a school-wide competition, then to a regional competition, followed by the NJPOL State Finals in March 2014. The NJPOL State Champion will win an all-expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C. to compete in the National Finals in spring 2014.

All New Jersey public, charter, private and parochial high schools and home school associations are invited to participate. Participating students should be in grades 9-12 or the age/grade equivalent.

Register by November 15, 2013! For complete details, visit JerseyArts.com/POL.

*Quote: Shamsuddin Abdul Hamid, 2010 NJPOL State champion.

Poetry Out Loud is a partnership of the National Endowment for the Arts, the Poetry Foundation, and the state arts agencies of the United States. In New Jersey, this program is made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, and funds from the National Endowment for the Arts. Support for the program is also provided by Playwrights Theatre of New Jersey and the ArtPride New Jersey Foundation

FINAL FREE PEFORMING ARTS WORKSHOP AT WARREN LIBRARY: THEATRICAL MAKE-UP

The world of Vampires and Zombies will come alive in the final workshop of the Performing Arts Series featuring hands-on instruction in theatrical  make-up for aspiring performers.

Trauma 014THEATRICAL MAKE-UP WORKSHOP
VAMPIRES AND ZOMBIES

WHEN: Saturday, June 1, at 10 AM
WHERE:
Warren County Library Headquarters at 189 County Rt. 519 Belvidere
Registration is limited and should be reserved in advance by calling 908.475.6322 or visiting the Library’s website at www.warrenlib.org.  
For more information about programs of the Centenary Stage Company, visit www.centenarystageco.org.

Fantasy 2012 033Participants in the fun and free workshop will learn to transform their face with the magic of theatrical makeup. During the 90-minute workshop, participants will learn some of the basics of makeup application with regard to trauma simulation with applications into the world of vampires and zombies. (Pictured: Members of the “Trauma Simulation” segment of the Centenary College Theatrical make-up class.)

Workshop instructor Erik Gaden, a graduate of the Centenary College Theater program and a Centenary Stage Company teaching artist,  will take students through some of the basics of application, with a lucky few individuals able to walk out of the class transformed into the world of the “walking dead.” Additional theatrical makeup application techniques (old age, fantasy, animals) may be explored depending on time. Necessary materials for the workshop will be provided by the Centenary Stage Company.

The four-part Performing Arts Workshop Series has including “Singing for Theatre,”  “Stage Combat,” and “Acting,” as well as the Theatrical Makeup class. Classes are recommended for older teens and adults.

Partial funding for the Performing Arts Library Workshops is made possible by Warren County Cultural & Heritage Commission.

COMEDY & MUSIC @ NJPAC THIS JUNE: SPECIAL TICKET OFFER FOR WHOOPI GOLDBERG

WhoopiSpecial $25 ticket offer*
Whoopi Goldberg
WHEN: Thursday, June 6, at 8 PM
WHERE:  NJPAC, 1 Center St., Newark
TICKETS: Get $25 tickets in Tiers 3 and 4.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TICKETS
Use promo-code 13GOLD when prompted.

From The Color Purple, Ghost and Sister Act to her triumphs on Broadway to her current role as master commentator on The View, there's only one Whoopi Goldberg.

The name says it all. She's won an Oscar, a Tony, an Emmy, a Grammy—and the hearts of audiences around the world. This season, Whoopi Goldberg returns to NJPAC's Prudential Hall with an evening of standup comedy, followed by what's sure to be a provocative, entertaining Q&A with the audience.

This performance may contain adult language and content.


Willie NelsonWillie Nelson
WHEN: Wednesday, June 12, at 8 PM
WHERE:  NJPAC, 1 Center St., Newark
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TICKETS

Country music's original "outlaw" is on the road again—making his only stop in Northern New Jersey at NJPAC this year!

Willie Nelson is without doubt one of country music's reigning superstars, the "outlaw" singer-songwriter-musician behind "Crazy," "On the Road Again," "Always On My Mind," "Red-Headed Stranger," and dozens of other jukebox fixtures. Though he has clearly earned the title of "living legend.


WhoopiKings of the Mic Tour:
LL Cool J with Ice Cube, Public Enemy & De La Soul
WHEN: Tuesday, June 18, at 7 PM
WHERE:
  NJPAC, 1 Center St., Newark
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TICKETS


Get ready for the one-night-only Kings of the Mic Tour, an all-star hip-hop event, which brings together four influential artists.

Rap superstar and two-time Grammy winner LL Cool J (currently starring in the hit CBS series, NCIS: Los Angeles) is known for trend-setting classics like “I’m Bad,” “I Can't Live Without My Radio” and “Mama Said Knock You Out.” This hip-hop legend (whose latest Def Jam recording is Authentic) is featured along with three of urban music’s greatest hit-makers: musical storyteller and movie star Ice Cube (“A Gangsta’s Fairytale,” “Pushin’ Weight,” “Wicked”), Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Public Enemy (“Public Enemy #1,” “Fight the Power,” “Bring the Noise”), featuring original lead vocalists Chuck D and Flavor Flav, and the groundbreaking alternative trio De La Soul (“Me, Myself and I,” “Keepin’ the Faith”).

This performance is presented at NJPAC in association with Metropolitan Entertainment Consultants.

WORLD PREMIERE OPENS @ NJ REP TONIGHT

HAPPY
National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere
Written by Robert Caisley
Directed by SuzAnne Barabas

WHEN: May 30 - June 30; Thursdays, Fridays at 8 PM; Saturdays at 3 PM & 8 PM; Sundays at 2 PM
WHERE:
New Jersey Repertory Company, 179 Broadway, Long Branch
TICKETS: Regular adult $40; Previews $35; Opening night with reception $50.
Discounts are available to seniors (65+), students (full-time 13-25), and groups of 10 or more.
Discounts and coupons not valid on Saturday nights.
BUY TICKETS NOW
www.njrep.org
732.229.3166
njrep@njrep.org

Alfred is happy about his life. He's happy with his job. He's happy with his marriage. He's even happy raising his special needs daughter. But when his best friend invites him to dinner to meet the latest woman in his life, things spin out of control. Happy is a play about how vicious and enviable we can be of people possessed with a natural joie de vivre.

YOUTHFUL APPROACH WITH MELODY & MIRTH @ NJSDA CABARET

sparks headshot 2012LYRICS AND LAUGHTER JUNIOR—AN EVENING OF COMEDY & SONG

WHEN: Friday June 7, 8:00 PM
WHERE: NJ School of Dramatic Arts Theater, 593 Bloomfield Ave, Bloomfield
TICKETS: $15 and include a light refreshment pre-show reception.
For tickets, please call 973.566.9700, Ext 5.

The New Jersey School of Dramatic Arts is excited to announce an addition to their cabaret series: Lyrics and Laughter, with Lyrics and Laughter JUNIOR, with all the performers being under the age of 21! (Above, left to right: Charles Carrier, Sarina Sarcone, Lilly Baldassare, Fil Babalievsky, Amber Smith, and Josh Faber; photo by Ted Wrigley)

The night will start with performances by accomplished teen singers and will be followed by a performance by Sparks of Insanity, New Jersey's premiere teen improv comedy troupe. A pre-show light refreshment reception will also be offered.

The singers include: Lilly Baldassare, Austin Bommer, Gerry Mastrolia, Amber Smith and Mary Sudol

The laughter part of the evening is provided by the teen improv troupe Sparks of Insanity, who has been making audiences laugh the past 4 years.

Sparks of Insanity have recently performed for The Jespy House in South Orange, Giggles Childrens Theatre at St. Joseph's Childrens Hospital in Paterson, Orange Street School in Cranford, Bloomfield Harvest Fest, and the Warren Arts Festival just to name a few. Sparks of Insanity include Lilly Baldassare, Fil Babalievsky, Charles Carrier, Josh Faber, Steven Gebhardt, Brendan Maly, Elizabeth Short, Ilana Saltzman, Sarina Sarcone, Izzy Schechter, and Amber Smith, and is directed by Ted Wrigley.

MUSIC MASTERPIECES PROVIDE SEASON FINAL FOR BONJ

BONJ New Header

JUPITER SOARING

WHEN: Sunday, June 9, 3:00 PM
WHERE:
Dolan Hall, College of St. Elizabeth, Convent Station
ADMISSION: Adult: $35, Senior: $25, Student: $5
Tickets for Jupiter Soaring

Franz Joseph HAYDN: Cello Concerto in C - Moderato
Franz SCHUBERT:  Symphony #2
Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART:  Symphony #41, the Jupiter Symphony

The Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey concludes its exciting 2012-2013 season with a trio of great composers who defined new boundaries and styles.

Principal Cellist Karen Pinoci opens the concert with her interpretation of the beautiful Moderato movement of Franz Joseph Haydn's Cello Concerto in C. This highly lyrical music reflects Haydn's position in mastering the transition from the Baroque to the Classical style. While most of it sounds like Haydn and Mozart, there are several passages that reflect the influence of earlier composers, most notably Antonio Vivaldi.

Franz Schubert's youthful Symphony #2 shows the sixteen-year-old composer developing his own sound with influences from two of the most popular composers of the time (1814)—Ludwig van Beethoven and Gioachino Rossini. Schubert's unforgettably melodic style is evident in every measure as he takes inspiration from Beethoven's complex motivic developmental symphonies as well as the bubbly  joie de vivre energy of Rossini.

The concert closes with one of the greatest of all symphonies—Mozart's Symphony #41—The Jupiter Symphony. Composed as the final of a set of three in the summer of 1788, Mozart's music contains elements that defined eighteenth century music while foreshadowing the harmonic and emotional expression of the Romantic period that followed. The finale of Mozart's symphony is perhaps the most brilliant contrapuntal movement in the entire history of the symphony—bursting with motives that explode from every corner of the orchestra.

Don't miss Jupiter Soaring - BONJ's seasonal grand finale.

BEAT THE HEAT THIS WEEKEND IN RED BANK @ A DISCOUNT

Learn More About PRESENT LAUGHTER!

Click here to learn more about PRESENT LAUGHTER!

Click here to learn more about the cast!

Click here to view the calendar of available dates

STUDIO PLAYERS TO HOLD AUDITIONS FOR “NOISES OFF”

Studio Playhouse - Upper MontclairAUDITIONS:

NOISES OFF
By Michael Frayn
Directed by Mark Liebert
Stage Manager Russ Meyer

WHEN: Sun. June 16th at 6:30 PM; Tue. June 18th at 7:30 PM; Callbacks: Wed. June 19th at 7:30 PM
WHERE:
Studio Players, 14 Alvin Place, Upper Montclair
973.744.9752
www.studioplayhouse.org 
www.facebook.com/studioplayhouse

A play within a play. It is an American tour of a dreadful British sex-comedy titled Nothing On—the type of play in which young girls run about in their underwear, old men drop their trousers, and many doors continually open and shut. Nothing On is set outside of London . Each of the three acts of Noises Off contains a performance of the first act of Nothing On.

Act One is the dress rehearsal, the night before opening with the cast still fumbling with entrances and exits, missed cues, misspoken lines, and bothersome props, most notably several plates of sardines.

Act Two portrays a Wednesday matinee performance one month later. In this act, the play is seen from backstage, providing a view that reveals the deteriorating personal relationships among the cast that have led to offstage shenanigans and onstage bedlam.

In Act Three, we see a performance near the end of the ten-week run. Personal friction has continued to increase. The actors attempt to cover up a series of mishaps but only compound the problems and draw attention to the bungling performance. Much of the comedy emerges from the subtle variations in each version as off-stage chaos affects on-stage performance, with a great deal of physical comedy. The contrast between players' on-stage and off-stage personalities is also a source of comic dissonance.

CHARACTER BREAKDOWN

Dotty Otley/Mrs. Clackett (female, 45-65) American actress who has put up her life savings to mount "Nothing On"; having an affair with Garry; forgetful at times

Lloyd Dallas (male, 45-65): British director, a lady's man; having an affair with both Brooke and Poppy; tempermental

Garry Lejeune/Rodger Tramplemain (male, 30+) American actor; having an affair with Dotty; becomes unjustifiably jealous of Frederick; stutters when not on stage

Brooke Ashton/Vicki (female, 20's) An inexperienced American actress, attractive with an excellent figure (will spend much time in only bra and panties); having an affair with Lloyd

Poppy Norton-Taylor (female, 25+) American assistant stage manager, understudy; emotional; overly sensitive; carrying Lloyd's child (not physically evident); jealous of Brooke

Frederick Fellows/Philip Brent (male, 40s) American actor, serious fear of violence, prone to nose bleeds; his wife just left him; must be able to jump up a flight of stairs with his pants around his ankles.

Belinda Blair/Flavia Brent (female, 30-45), American actress; the rock and peacemaker; cheerful and reliable

Tim Allgood (male) Over worked American, stage manager, carpenter, company manager, understudy, gofer

Selsdon Mowbray/Burglar (male, 65+) Veteran British actor, alcoholic who hides bottles all over the theater

Directors Notes: The show will be set in the US. The American actors will use English accents when in their Nothing On character. Brook's should neither be good nor consistent. Lloyd and Dallas should have solid English accents.

All actors are required to do physical comedy. Call backs will include movement, please wear appropriate clothing and footwear.

Sides will be provided.

Performance dates: September 20th - October 5th

Rehearsals begin week of July 8th

Visit http://studioplayhouse.org/auditions/

Thursday, May 30, 2013

PUSHCART PLAYERS FEATURES PRODUCTIONS PERFECT FOR YOUR SCHOOL, CHURCH, YOUTH GROUP

973.857.1115
www.pushcartplayers.org
For more information send e-mail to:  information@pushcartplayers.org

interACT THEATRE COMPANY CASTING MUSICAL REVUE

SCHEDULE YOUR AUDITION TODAY

interACT Sings! Page to Stage
a musical revue celebration of literature in musicals

Songs featured in the Revue come from musicals derived from notable works of literature.

CASTING MEN AND WOMEN OF ALL ETHNICITIES AND SIZES
6 -90 years old

click here for more information or to schedule an audition

WHEN: MONDAY, JUNE 17 – TUESDAY, JUNE 18, 6:30 PM – 9 PM
WHERE:
Baird Theatre, 5 Mead Place, South Orange

APPOINTMENTS STRONGLY SUGGESTED

 

interACT Theatre Productions 
info@interactproductions.org
http://www.interactproductions.org
South Orange, NJ 07079

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

NATIONAL TOUR OF “FORBIDDEN BROADWAY” STOPS AT ASBURY PARK ON JUNE 6

NATIONAL TOUR of New York City's Favorite Spoof on  Broadway Musicals! 

FORBIDDEN BROADWAY!

WHEN: Thursday, June 6, 2013 at 7:00 PM
WHERE: The Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel, 1401 Ocean Ave., Asbury Park, NJ
TICKETS: (from only $25) ON SALE NOW
TICKETS ONLINE AT: http://revisiontheatre.tix.com
For more information call (732) 455-3059 or email

After a historic and hysterical 30 year run in NYC, Forbidden Broadway is coming to Asbury Park for a one night performance to support ReVision Theatre!

Bring your family and friends! A GREAT WAY TO START THE SUMMER!

Come and see this all-star cast of pay "tribute" to your favorite Broadway shows. 

Some Recent Forbidden Broadway Reviews:

"Gleeful, Malicious and Hilarious...murderous good fun!"—Associated Press

"Gut-bustingly funny!"—New York Post

"Consistently riotous!"—NY Times

"This is the best edition of 'Forbidden Broadway' we've ever seen…Skip all those Broadway shows, and go see F.B. instead!"—Gannett

"It’s fabulous!"—Village Voice

AUDITION NOTICE: NEW VISION PLAYERS CASTING “LES MIZ” JUNE 1-4

les mis auditions fixed

AUDITION NOTICE: From the community theater company who recently brought you INTO THE WOODS and CELEBRATE THE MAGIC: A CABARET, New Vision Players is holding auditions for their summer 2013 musical:

LES MISERABLES
Music by Claude-Michel Schönberg
Original French lyrics by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel
An English-language libretto by Herbert Kretzmer

WHEN: Saturday, June 1st, Monday, June 3rd, Tuesday, June 4th
TIMES: For Saturday, June 1st: Children ages 7 to 11: 1 - 3 PM; Ages 17 And older: 4 - 7 PM; For Monday, June 3rd & Tuesday, June 4th: Children ages 7 to 11: 6 - 7 PM; Ages 17 and older: 7 - 10 PM
WHERE: For Saturday, June 1st: Fair Lawn Community Center, Downstairs Teen Room, 10-10 20th Street, Fair Lawn, NJ; *Ask reception area/desk near gymnasium where Teen Room is located . For Monday, June 3rd & Tuesday, June 4th: Grace Lutheran Church, 925 Fifth Avenue, River Edge, NJ
*Follow signs to find audition area within building
Please visit the website, www.newvisionplayers.com, for more information! We hope to see everyone there!

This international smash-hit may be the most popular musical in the world. LES MISÉRABLES is a sung-through musical based on the novel of the same name by French poet and playwright Victor Hugo.

In 19th century France, Jean Valjean is released from 19 years of unjust imprisonment, but finds nothing in store for him but mistrust and mistreatment. He breaks his parole in hopes of starting a new life, initiating a life-long struggle for redemption as he is relentlessly pursued by police inspector Javert, who refuses to believe Valjean can change his ways. Finally, during the Paris student uprising of 1832, Javert must confront his ideals after Valjean spares his life and saves that of the student revolutionary who has captured the heart of Valjean's adopted daughter. His world-view shattered, Javert commits suicide, and Valjean at last attains the peace he has sought for so long.

Epic, grand and uplifting, LES MISÉRABLES packs an emotional wallop that has thrilled audiences all over the world.


AGE RESTRICTIONS:
We are looking for children between the ages of 7 to 11 to play the roles of Gavroche, young Eponine, and young Cosette. All older roles are for those 17 and older. We apologize for any inconvenience.

WHAT TO PREPARE:

  • Two songs, one upbeat and one ballad, that best show off your vocals. Please cut it down to 16-32 bars each. An accompanist will be present at the auditions, but you are welcome to perform your songs a cappella instead.
  • There will be no cold reading
  • There will be no dance call

REHEARSALS:
Two weeknights (tentatively Monday & Thursday nights) and one weekend day (tentatively Sunday afternoons)

PERFORMANCE DATES:
August 15th at 8 PM
August 16th at 8 PM
August 17th at 8 PM
August 18th at 2 PM
August 21st at 8 PM
August 22nd at 8 PM
August 23rd at 8 PM
August 24th at 8 PM

All performances will be at the Fair Lawn Community Center, in Fair Lawn, NJ!

NOW THIS WOULD REALLY BE SOMETHING:

“LIKE” if you would read it. Would it be interesting to you?

MUSICAL CELEBRATES WOMEN AND “THE CHANGE” FOR 2 NIGHTS ONLY

www.MayoArts.org for tickets

GENESIS FESTIVAL OF NEW PLAYS DEBUTS THIS WEEKEND @ CROSSROADS THEATRE

WHERE: 7 LIVINGSTON AVE. NEW BRUNSWICK
www.crossroadstheatrecompany.org 
732.545.8100
Crossroads Theatre Company thanks its major supporters:
Johnson & Johnson
The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation
The Prudential Foundation
Middlesex County Cultural & Heritage Commission
New Brunswick Cultural Center

LAST WEEKEND FOR “A GRAND NIGHT FOR SINGING”

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

LEWIS BLACK RETURNS TO GSP FOR ONE NIGHT!

In case you missed him, the angry man of comedy, Lewis Black, is coming back for a return engagement at the George Street Playhouse:

 

 

 

 

 

 

LEWIS BLACK: UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL

Comedian Lewis Black returns to New Brunswick’s George Street Playhouse for an exclusive event!

WHEN: Monday June 10, at 7:30 PM
WHERE:
George Street Playhouse, 9 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick
TICKETS: start at $65; $100 premium tickets include premium seats and admission to a VIP post-performance reception with Mr. Black.
Buy Now Online or Call the Box Office at (732) 246-7717

A regular contributor to The Daily Show, Lewis Black sits down to share his trademark acerbic and humorous perspective on politics and world events in this one-of-a-kind evening hosted by George Street Playhouse Artistic Director David Saint.

Suggest questions or a topic for Lewis now by e-mailing boxoffice@georgestplayhouse.org

Lewis Black, who wrote this season’s opener, One Sight Hitch has also written The Laundry Hour (The Public), The Czar of Rock and Roll, and The Deal. In addition to his stand up act, his stage credits include appearances in Camino Real, Johnny on the Spot, Dead End, The Matchmaker, Once in a Lifetime and Media Amok. His television appearances include The Daily Show, The Root of All Evil, Homicide: Life on the Street, Law & Order: SVU and The Big Bang Theory. A published author, his books include Nothing’s Sacred, Me of Little Faith and I’m Dreaming of a Black Christmas. He is the winner of two Grammies and an Emmy.

All proceeds of the evening benefit George Street Playhouse’s mainstage and educational programming.

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

FARMSTEAD ARTS TO HOST ART EXHIBIT & SALE + A DUCK RACE FUNDRAISER IN JUNE

Matheny Arts Access Exhibit & Sale

Unexpected Art

WHEN: opening reception on Sunday, June 2, from 2 – 4 PM and gallery hours on Sunday, June 9, 16 and 23, from 1 – 4 PM
WHERE:
Farmstead Arts, the nonprofit arts center located at the historic Kennedy Martin Stelle Farmstead, 450 King George Road, Basking Ridge
ADMISSION: Free
For a complete list of Farmstead Arts events and classes, visit www.farmsteadartscenter.org.
For more information, e-mail farmsteadartscenter@gmail.com, or call 1.347.9ARTS4U (1.347.927.8748).

The farmhouse is wheelchair accessible.  Anyone anticipating the need for additional accessibility services is requested to make a request by sending an e-mail to the farmsteadartscenter@gmail.com at least three weeks in advance.

The exhibit will feature artists Cheryl Chapin, Ellen Kane, Faith Stoltz and Jenny Cox, all residents of Matheny’s Basking Ridge Community House. The reception will also include a live reading.

This year marks the milestone 20th anniversary of the Matheny Arts Access Program. The Mission of Art Access is to provide individuals with disabilities the freedom to create in the visual, literary and performing arts. The program allows artists with disabilities to create incredible pieces of art with the help of a facilitator. Each artist works one on one with a member of the Arts Access staff to create their masterpiece. The facilitator’s role with each client is unique depending on the needs of the individual, but the usual method is to streamline everything down to a series of yes or no questions, and the client’s vision is expressed through the answers to these questions with the facilitator acting as the paint brush, scribe, or actor.

Artist Cheryl Chapin (image left) has won a number of awards for her art. Recently, Gallery 24/7 selected one of her original digital paintings for its public art project, Art on Traffic Control Boxes. Her work has also been exhibited at the Wallace Art Gallery in Overlook Hospital, Summit, NJ; Grounds for Sculpture, Hamilton, NJ; and Johnson & Johnson in Raritan, NJ.

Ellen Kane (image right) has produced an impressive body of work, and was recently featured in a two person show at Zebu Forno in Morristown. One of her pieces has been purchased for permanent display at the Johnson & Johnson headquarters in New Brunswick, and her work was also recently displayed in the gallery exhibition at Mondo in Summit.

Faith Stolz (image left) applies her creative energy to painting, writing, digital art and dance. She has an affinity for fall colors and often utilizes them in her work. Faith’s interests include jewelry making, writing, entertainment, fashion and music.

Jenny Cox (image below, right) has participated in the Arts Access Program for more than a decade. Her participation in the fine arts has included digital art and painting. Some of her abstract paintings feature vibrant colors and geometric shapes, while others contain the intricate application of earth-toned colors. She also participates in the writing and dance disciplines.

The Matheny Medical and Educational Center, located in Peapack, NJ, is a specialized facility for individuals with medically complex developmental disabilities, providing exceptional care and an optimal quality of life the individuals that it serves. Please visit www.matheny.org  and www.artsaccessprogram.org  for more information.

Mark your calendars for the June 8 Rubber Duck Races and Festival at the FarmsteadFarmstead Duck Race fundraiser

WHEN: Saturday, June 8, noon to 4 PM
WHERE:
Farmstead Arts, the nonprofit arts center located at the historic Kennedy Martin Stelle Farmstead, 450 King George Road, Basking Ridge

The Farmstead will be transformed into an art and duck-lover’s paradise, with hundreds of ducks ready to take their places at the starting line, a silent auction of fine art in the barn, and vendors with food, art and other goodies for sale. To purchase ducks online, or find a location to purchase ducks, visit www.farmsteadartscenter.org. All proceeds will benefit Farmstead Arts for programs and future renovations to the historic property.

Funds for these events have been made possible in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, through the State/County Partnership Local Arts Program Grant administered by The Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission.

OPEN CALL AUDITIONS FOR TEEN PRODUCTION OF “42nd STREET” @ bergenPAC

42ndstreet-pgslideOpen Call Auditions

42nd STREET

WHEN: June 5th from 4-9 PM
WHERE:
bergenPAC, 30 N Van Brunt St., Englewood, NJ
For more info call 201.503.8336 or Visit http://www.bergenpac.org/education/auditions
www.bergenpac.org
Schedule Your Audition Now:  (201) 503.8326

Be a part of Performing Arts School’s summer spectacular, 42nd Street, directed by Alexander Diaz.

Those auditioning must be

  • at least 12 years old
  • be prepared to sing from the show or in a style of the show
  • be ready with a monologue. 
  • If not singing from the show, bring sheet music with you
  • be prepared to dance with the right attire
  • bring a headshot/resume (non-returnable)
  • bring a $35 non-refundable audition fee

Accompaniment will be provided.

Principals must be strong actors, singers and dancers.

Ensembles should be strong dancers, preferably with tap experience.

We will teach tap at Call Backs.

Performance DatesJuly 26 - 27, @ 8 PM, July 28, @ 3 PM


Performing Arts School Classes Enrolling NOW!

For more information about the Performing Arts School at bergenPAC call 201.503.8336 or visit the website at www.bergenpac.org

Also visit their Facebook Fan Page

AUTISM-FRIENDLY MATINEE OF “DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID” @ THE PAPER MILL PLAYHOUSE

Paper Mill Playhouse

Thoroughly Modern Millie

Come experience a very special autism-friendly matinee of

Disney’s The Little Mermaid

WHEN: Wednesday, June 26 at 4:00 PM
WHERE:
Paper Mill Playhouse, 22 Brookside Drive, Millburn

Paper Mill Playhouse, in cooperation with Autism New Jersey and the Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center at Rutgers University, is proud to bring you a very special autism-friendly matinee of Disney’s The Little Mermaid.

Come experience the all-new musical production based on the animated classic!

For one magical afternoon, the theater environment will be altered to offer a comfortable space that is welcoming for all families.

Click here to learn more about our autism programs and to purchase your tickets today.

Monday, May 27, 2013

MUSICAL FARCE SWINGS INTO 4TH WALL THEATRE TO CLOSE SEASON

Lucky Stiff Logo

LUCKY STIFF
Book & Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens
Music by Stephen Flaherty
Based on The Man Who Broke The Bank At Monte Carlo by Michael Butterworth

WHEN: June 7- 22, Fridays & Saturdays, 8:00 PM; Sunday, June 16 at 3:00 PM
WHERE:
Westminster Arts Center, 449 Franklin Street, Bloomfield
TICKETS: $26; seniors $23; students $19 with ID
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE or For reservations call:
973.748.9000 ext. 1279

This well-oiled musical farce concerns Harry, a mild-mannered English shoe salesman, who must take his recently murdered (and embalmed) uncle to Monte Carlo in order to inherit six million dollars. If Harry doesn't fulfill the task, all of the money will go to the Universal Dog Home in Brooklyn...and Harry hates dogs! Filled with zany characters and plenty of plot twists, this show is a drop-dead delight from beginning to end!

Featuring
Robert Rice, Chelsea Stavis, Maggie Letsche, Tom Schopper,
Jason Tamashausky, Nelson Valentin, Kate Hoover, Julie Galorenzo,
Brian James Grace, Jordan Gulick
Director: Josh Penzell, Music Director: Markus Hauck
Set Design: Evan Hill, Lighting Design: Nik Marmo,
Costume Design: Janice Schopper, Sound Design: Joe DeVico,
Props Master: Rob Lavagno, Stage Manager:  Martha Thalheimer

Production Managers:  Kathi Iannacone and Gwen Ricks-Spencer

Graphic Design by Anthony Rubolotta

REVIEW: BACH ON PERIOD INSTRUMENTS SHINES IN CLINTON CONCERT

Sheila and OreoBy Sheila Abrams

The concert Saturday evening, titled All Bach: Brandenburg & Beyond, was, to start with, NOT all Bach. The event, the season’s final concert in the 24th Raritan River Music Festival, held at the Clinton Presbyterian Church, began with a unique and delightful presentation.

Alex Tryon, a fifth-grader at the Reading-Fleming School, played the world premiere of his own startlingly beautiful composition for solo piano, entitled Rain, for which he received a rousing ovation from the audience. Tryon, born in 2001, was one of three winners of the Fourth Annual Hunterdon County Young Composer Contest. The piece, along with other winning works by young composers, will be performed in a concert on Saturday, June 1, at the North Branch of the Hunterdon County Library. The library is one of the sponsors of the competition.

The concert then proceeded to Bach as promised. The music on tap was all the work of Johann Sebastian, the father of a large family which included several composers, and, more to the point, was the grand master of Baroque music.

Bach was born in 1685 and lived until 1750, well beyond the average life expectancy of the time. That this was a rich period in music history is putting it mildly. Among the composers who lived and worked during Bach’s lifetime, whose work is still frequently performed, were Handel (born just a month before), Vivaldi, Telemann, Scarlatti, Pachelbel, Purcell, Rameau, Corelli and Buxtehude. But Bach, born into a musical family and trained and working as a musician and composer virtually from childhood, is the one who most defined the period.

The music Saturday evening was provided by the Soclair Ensemble, working, as has become fashionable in recent years, on period instruments, offering the opportunity to hear the music as the composer conceived and heard it in his lifetime.

The seven musicians, sometimes called the “house band” of the longstanding Soclair Music Festival, has presented baroque music true to its period since long before it became stylish. Under the direction of harpsichordist Edward Brewer, the group consists of Sandra Miller, Baroque flute, Virginia Brewer, Baroque oboe and oboe d’amore, Nancy Wilson, Baroque violin, Vita Wallace, Baroque violin, Louise Schulman, Baroque viola, and Myron Lutzke, Baroque cello. Their sound is distinctive.

The program consisted on the Concerto in A Major for Oboe d’Amore and Strings, which is an adaptation of a piece originally composed for harpsichord. It was followed by the Suite No. 2 in B Minor for Flute and Strings. This beautiful and richly varied work is a series of short dances, with brief pauses between them. They are spritely, filled with lovely tunes, intricate detail and flights of fancy.

Following an intermission, the ensemble offered four unusual pieces, selections from Bach’s cantatas, with melodies composed for voice adapted for instruments. Different combinations of instruments played each aria, the vocal line being picked up at times by the oboe or the flute, at others by a violin or the cello.

The concert ended with one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever written: the Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 for Flute, Violin, Harpsichord Concertante and Strings. Its melodies are woven into intricate musical patterns like delicate and beautiful lace. It was a joy to hear in the hands of these gifted musicians.

It’s an amusing historic footnote to the Brandenburgs (there are six in all) that they were probably the best job application ever made. Bach wrote them in the hope of getting an appointment to the court of the Margrave Christian Ludwig of Brandenburg. He didn’t get the job. We think the Margrave was the one who missed out.

It happens the Margrave was not the only one who missed out when it came to Bach’s music. Though his work was studied and admired by the Classical masters who followed him, such as Mozart, Haydn and Beethoven, his music (as well as that of his fellow Baroque composers) was widely considered old fashioned and rarely performed. It was largely through the efforts of Felix Mendelssohn that Bach’s music underwent a revival some 75 years after he died. It’s terrible to think that, if it hadn’t been for Mendelssohn’s efforts, we might have missed out too.

Thursday, May 23, 2013

CIVIL WAR REMEMBRANCES @ FOSTERFIELDS FARM THIS SATURDAY

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HAVE A GOOD LAUGH AT THE JERSEY SHORE WITH ReVISION THEATRE

After last year at the Jersey Shore, you deserve a good laugh. Well? Here's your chance. Go ahead. LAUGH! Oh wait! You need a ticket first...

FORBIDDEN BROADWAY

WHEN: Thursday, June 6, 2013 at 7:00 PM
WHERE:
The Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel, 1401 Ocean Ave., Asbury Park, NJ
TICKETS: from only $25
ON SALE NOW ONLINE AT: http://revisiontheatre.tix.com
For more information call 732.455.3059 or e-mail info@revisiontheatre.org

After a historic and hysterical 30 year run in NYC, Forbidden Broadway is coming to Asbury Park for a one night performance to support ReVision Theatre!

Come and see this all-star cast of past NYC performers pay "tribute" to your favorite Broadway shows. You'll laugh till you cry and then laugh that you're crying.

"Gleeful, Malicious and Hilarious...murderous good fun!" —Associated Press

"Gut-bustingly funny!"—New York Post

"Consistently riotous!"—NY Times

"This is the best edition of 'Forbidden Broadway' we've ever seen…Skip all those Broadway shows, and go see F.B. instead!"—Gannett

"It’s fabulous!"—Village Voice

ReVision Theatre is a professional regional theatre company dedicated to producing invigorating theatre with a fresh new perspective reaching the diverse community of Asbury Park, Monmouth County and beyond.

ReVision Theatre produces reinventions of previously produced classics, overlooked or forgotten work in a new way, and new work with a fresh voice. The company serves as a nurturing home for local artists and writers. ReVision Theatre produces readings, workshops, cabarets, concerts, and fully staged productions.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

SPY THRILLER FARCE OPENS @ CIRCLE PLAYERS JUNE 7

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THE 39 STEPS
By Patrick Barlow
directed by John Dowgin

WHEN: June 7 - 23, 2013
WHERE:
The Circle Players,  416 Victoria Ave., Piscataway (Directions)
TICKETS: Adults $18; Seniors and Students $17
PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE HERE 
or call 732.968.7555

Combining a spy thriller with farcical comedy and ingenious theatrical invention, The 39 Steps is an engaging, fast-paced whodunit that celebrates the magic of theater. Closely following the storyline of Alfred Hitchcock’s 1935 film, the play features more than 150 characters brought to life by a cast of just four actors.

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

STNJ’S FIRST PRODUCTION OPENS MAY 29!

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey is one of my favorite places to see/experience theater. They have an exciting season planned—and not all of it by Shakespeare! Their first offering opens May 29:

Tickets are now on sale for The Playboy of the Western World, opening next week on May 29 at the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre!

Ireland’s great playwright and poet, J.M. Synge, has penned a grand adventure — part tall-tale, part outrageous comedy and part bittersweet parable. A young country lad’s transformation from beaten-down weakling to celebrated “playboy” captures the poetic heart of the wild Irish imagination in magnificent, lyrical style.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS (Link on graphic will not work)

Monday, May 20, 2013

WORLD PREMIERE OPENS @ NJ REP ON MAY 30

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HAPPY

A New Play by Robert Caisley
WORLD PREMIERE

WHEN: May 30 – June 30, Thursdays; Fridays at 8 PM; Saturdays 3 PM & 8 PM; Sundays at 2 PM*
WHERE: New Jersey Repertory Company, 179 Broadway, Long Branch
TICKETS: $40 for adults; Previews are $35; Opening night with reception is $50.
Discounts are available to seniors 65+, full time students ages 13-25, and groups of 10 or more.
Extra performances can be added for groups of 40 or more. For tickets, contact 732.229.3166 or visit www.njrep.org to reserve online.

*Previews are Thursday, Friday, May 30, 31 at 2 PM & 8 PM; Saturday, June 1 at 3 PM. Opening night with reception is Saturday, June 1 at 8  PM.

Alfred is happy with his life, happy with his job, happy with his 14-year marriage to Melinda. But when his best friend Eduardo invites him to dinner to meet the new woman in his life, Eva, a sexy 22-year-old artist with a dark soul, it becomes clear that misery loves company. Truths get twisted, secrets get revealed, and what starts out as a sophisticated dinner party among friends, becomes an evening that spins wildly out of control. This is a dinner party not to be missed!

NJ Rep Artistic Director SuzAnne Barabas directs this sleek production that stars Mark Light-Orr as Eduardo, Susan Maris as Eva, Wendy Peace as Melinda, and Michael Irvin Pollard as Alfred.

Playwright Robert Caisley is Associate Professor of Theatre & Film, and Head of the Dramatic Writing Program at the University of Idaho. He was named the 2011 Blaine Quarnstrom Visiting Playwright at the University of Southern Mississippi. Happy, presented at the 2011 National New Play Network Annual Showcase of New Plays, was a Finalist for both the Eugene O’Neill Theatre Center’s New Play Conference and the Woodward/Newman Award for Drama. Happy began its Rolling World Premiere at Montana Rep, followed by performances at New Theatre 6th Street Playhouse in Santa Rosa, California.

SCHOLA CANTORUM ON HUDSON PRAISED MOTHER EARTH ON SONG AND HARMONY

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By Ruth Ross

I don't know enough about music to write a review, but I want to tell you about an extraordinary musical experience I had on Sunday at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Montclair.

Schola Cantorum on Hudson (full disclosure: a college friend is a member of the ensemble) presented a program entitled Spirit Earth that featured melodies infused with Native American rhythms and lyrics (and even animal and insect sounds of the prairie) taken from writings by such notables as Chief Seattle, Sitting Bull, the Sioux Najinyanupi and poet Arthur O'Shaughnessy, among others.

Schola on HudsonIn a series of pieces that make the term Mother Earth more than an advertising slogan, the concert focused on humankind's interaction with and dependence upon the Earth. The first section extolled the Earth as Sacred with a four-part cantata by Jackson Berkey. Accompanied by a Native American flute played by Darius Kaufmann, the Schola Cantorum choir captured "the spacious eternity that is nature" (as written in the program notes) and gave the listeners the feeling of being caught in a prairie fire. The text even admonished us for our pollution, "I have seen [Mother Earth] stricken with a curse/Of fools, who build their lodges up so high/They lose their mother, and the father sky/Is hidden in the darkness that they build."

The second section, "The Earth Is Tired," was exceptionally stirring, although the only thing sung was syllables and sounds. The Choir repeated the phrase "Kasar mie la Gaji (The Earth Is Tired)" to various rhythms and handclaps; listening to them was an experience more felt than understood. And the New Jersey Youth Chorus imitated monkey chatter as Balinese warriors charged onto the battlefield; these unintelligible sounds (tjak! tjak!) dramatically represented the sounds of Earth under extreme stress. It was very moving.

Part II connected the Earth to Humanity with a prayer, "Give Us This Day," with music composed by Ward Swingle (of the Swingle Family Singers popular in the 1960s and still giving concerts) and words by Tony Vincent Isaacs. The images of the Earth's beauty were especially inspiring and magnificent ("Budding clouds of crimson blush" and "Dragonfly, neon's treasure,/Strafes the pool in summer's hush" were just two that really touched me), and the refrain repeated four times reminded us to "cherish the earth before it dies." What a way to inspire us to conservation and environmentalism!

A group of young singers called the Schola Phoenix Singers joined the larger adult choir to offer a Sioux Prayer that illustrated the strong connection felt by our Native American brothers and sisters with Mother Earth, Father Sky and the Spirits of the North, South, East and West, and a selection from Sunrise Mass composed by Ola Gjello.

The two pieces that especially affected me were "We Are..." by Yasaye M. Barnwell (who sang as a member of Sweet Honey in the Rock group). The profound message of this song—"We are One"—was reinforced in the final selection, "We Are the Music Makers," from an ode by Arthur O'Shaughnessy. The soaring melody and harmonies praised the healing power of music and its eternal gifts to humankind.

The adult's, teenagers' and youngsters' voices that filled the church (which has wonderful acoustics) Sunday evening lifted up everyone in the audience. As I looked around, I saw faces young and old, beaming as they took it all in. It was a remarkable experience. I plan to attend more Schola Cantorum concerts the next time they sing in Montclair. Look for notices on the blog so you can be sure to experience the wonder at the power of music and the human voice as I did.